All about the certificate of conduct
As a self-employed person, you are responsible for your own administration and reputation. In some professions or assignments, you may be asked to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). But what exactly is a VOG, when do you need one and how do you apply for it? In this article, we at Striive tell you all about the Certificate of Good Conduct, specifically aimed at self-employed workers.
What is a Certificate of Conduct?
A Certificate of Conduct is an official document issued by the Justis Service, part of the Ministry of Justice and Security. With a VOG, the government declares that your criminal record does not constitute an objection to performing a specific function or activity. This may be important for certain professions and sectors, such as healthcare, education or financial services.
Why is a Certificate of Conduct important for self-employed workers?
As a freelancer, you may not immediately have an employer requiring a from you, but in practice, there may be several reasons why a certificate of conduct is essential:
1. Obligation from the client
Some clients, especially in sectors involving confidential information, vulnerable people or large financial interests, require you to be able to produce a certificate of conduct. Think, for example, of assignments in education, healthcare or financial services.
2. Trust and professionalism
A certificate of conduct can help build trust with clients and customers. It shows that you have no relevant criminal record and that you are reliable in your field.
3. Legal obligation in certain sectors
For some professions, a certificate of conduct is required by law. This applies, for example, to self-employed people working in childcare, education or judicial institutions. Without a certificate of conduct, you are simply not allowed to work in these sectors.
4. Competitive advantage
If, as a self-employed person, you can prove that you have a certificate of conduct, this can give you an advantage over competitors. Some clients prefer a freelancer with a certificate of conduct, even if it is not strictly required.
How to apply for a certificate of conduct as a self-employed person?
Fortunately, applying for a certificate of conduct is a relatively simple process. Below, we explain step by step how to do it.
Step 1: Determine whether you need a certificate of conduct
Before starting an application, it is a good idea to check whether a certificate of conduct is actually required for your work. You can check this with your client or the trade association.
Step 2: Choose the right application method
There are two ways to apply for a certificate of conduct:
- Through the client - If your client requires a certificate of conduct, they can prepare the application for you and submit a digital request to Dienst Justis. You will then receive an e-mail with a link to complete the application.
- Applying yourself through the municipality - If you need a certificate of conduct independently, you can apply for it at the municipality in which you are registered. You do this by going in person with a valid identity document and a completed application form.
Step 3: complete the application
When completing the application, you indicate the position or professional group for which you need the certificate of conduct. This is important because the assessment criteria may differ for each professional group. For example, a certificate of conduct for a teacher has different checkpoints than a certificate of conduct for a financial advisor.
Step 4: Pay the application fee
The cost of a certificate of conduct application in 2025 is:
- Digital through Justis: €33,85
- Through the municipality: €41,35
Payment can be made online or directly at the municipality, depending on the application method chosen.
Step 5: Waiting for approval
After submitting your application, Justis will assess your criminal record. If there are no objections, you will receive your certificate of conduct by post within 1 to 4 weeks. If there are complications, however, the process may take longer and you may receive a rejection.
What if your application is rejected?
If your VOG application is rejected, it means that something has been found in your criminal record that is an objection to the job for which you applied for the VOG. However, this does not necessarily mean the immediate end of your application. You can:
- Appeal: You have six weeks to appeal the rejection.
- Consulting with your client: In some cases, a certificate of conduct is not strictly necessary and a client may decide to hire you anyway.
- Making a new application: Sometimes it can help to rephrase the certificate of conduct application or apply for a different job category.
Frequent ask questions about the certificate of conduct for self-employed persons
1. How long is a certificate of conduct valid?
A certificate of conduct has no standard validity period, but in practice many clients ask for a recent certificate of conduct (maximum 6 months old).
2. As a self-employed person, do I have to apply for a certificate of conduct for each new client?
Not always. Some clients accept a recent certificate of conduct, while others specifically require a new application. It depends on the sector and the nature of the work.
3. Can I get a certificate of if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of the offence and the position for which you are applying for the certificate of justice. Justis assesses whether there is a relevant risk for the work you want to perform.
4. Are there alternatives to a certificate of justice?
In some cases, clients accept references or a self-declaration of good conduct as an alternative. However, this is not an officially recognised document like the certificate of justice.
A document for confidence
A certificate of conduct can be an important document for self-employed and independent workers, both for legal obligations and for building trust with clients. Applying for a certificate of conduct is relatively simple and can be arranged online or through the municipality. Make sure you know whether a certificate of conduct is required for your sector and consider its validity for new assignments. By proactively applying for a certificate of conduct, you increase your chances of getting assignments and show that you are a reliable professional.